Acting UO Provost Frances Bronet expressed disappointment over the declaration of an impasse by the Graduate Teaching Fellows Federation and said the university is making preparations to continue classroom operations in the event of a strike.

Members of the UO GTFF voted Friday night to declare an impasse in contract negotiations with the university. The parties now have seven days to submit their final offers to the State Employment Relations Board mediator. 

The mediator will publish the final offers, which will begin a 30-day “cooling off” period before a strike can take place and the university can implement some or all of its proposals.  A GTFF vote on whether to authorize a strike is expected soon.

“It’s deeply disappointing that the Graduate Teaching Fellows Federation has declared contract talks at an impasse,” Bronet said. “The university values the contributions GTFs bring to our classrooms, laboratories and elsewhere on campus. During more than 10 months of negotiations with the union, the university has put forth proposals designed to support GTFs and their families and it remains committed to reaching an equitable agreement.

“At the same time, the university must be prepared to serve our students in the event of a strike. We have policies and procedures in place to ensure classes continue with as little interruption as possible."

Four weeks ago, the university revised its offer on health insurance, salary and absences to increase total compensation and address needs for parental and bereavement leave.

But the union voted Friday to declare an impasse. The number of members attending the meeting and the votes in favor of declaring and impasse were not released.

More information on the university’s proposal is available here, and a list of frequently asked questions can be found here.

—By Greg Bolt, Public Affairs Communications